Image Source: Canva

Trucking at Night Versus Daytime: Strategies On How To Survive

The freight industry is a business that never sleeps. No matter the time of day, there's always a truck delivering something somewhere or is getting repaired or installed with new parts. This has led drivers to come up with strategies to stay safe and efficient on the road, whether it's the middle of the day or late at night.

A question that often pops up in the trucking community is whether it is easier to drive during the day or night. Of course, opinions vary wildly depending on personal preference and experience, as both have their significant pros and cons. In this guide, we break down the common differences between night and day driving, and how to make them work to your advantage.

Traffic

Most drivers will agree that the worst part of driving during the day is traffic. Traveling through highly congested cities like Los Angeles and New York can be particularly frustrating, as you'll likely spend hours having your patience tested by the gridlock. Thankfully, driving at night isn't as frustrating as there are likely to be fewer vehicles on the road (and those that remain are most often other trucks).

While traffic may be an inevitable part of a trucker's life, planning your trip can help you steer clear of high-traffic areas at the busiest times or even avoid them during the day altogether. Experienced drivers tend to work their schedules so that they avoid the morning rush in major thoroughfares. 

Be sure to check the DOT website as well, as they often have up-to-date information on the traffic flow as well as road conditions, weather, and ongoing construction. And, if possible, allocate some extra time on your schedule so that in the event you do get caught up in traffic, you won't be that much of a hurry to catch up.

Parking

While it may be a magnet for traffic, the upside for driving during the day is that you won't have much problem finding a place to park. Designated truck areas in rest stops tend to be mostly vacant during the day, although they'll quickly disappear once the sun sets and the trucks start rolling in for the night. Plan accordingly and time your schedule so you can avoid the mad dash for a parking space. In most cases, as long as you arrive before 5 p.m., you'll likely get a parking space for your truck. But if you're scheduled to drive at night or through a busy area, you may want to consider parking at your customer's lot instead.

Distractions and obstacles

Daytime driving offers the best road visibility, but it also exposes the driver to more distractions. Aside from maintaining focus on the road ahead while minimizing attention over the landscape, drivers must also be aware of other vehicles, construction zones, and damage on the road and surrounding infrastructure. 

Meanwhile, nighttime driving has fewer obstacles and distractions due to reduced visibility, but this also brings up its share of road safety concerns. Road maintenance projects, for example, are often done at night due to the reduced traffic, while deer, coyotes, and other animals tend to be more active during nighttime. Be sure to maintain the headlights and other lights in working order, and pay extra attention to the road signs to ensure a safe and problem-free drive regardless of the time of day.

Alertness

Another huge advantage of driving during the day is that you'll be at your most alert. It also frees the driver from making significant changes to their sleeping schedule. But in most cases, you'll eventually get a mix of daytime and night driving. This erratic schedule can prove difficult to adjust to, especially since dispatchers prefer drivers who can handle flexible schedules.

If you're suddenly switching from a day to a night schedule or vice versa, you'll need to give yourself time to adapt to a new sleeping routine. Experienced truckers have learned to fall asleep quickly and wake up and get ready almost immediately. This takes time to learn and master, so don't push yourself too hard at the beginning.

Here are additional tips on how to stave off fatigue and drowsiness when changing schedules:

• Take short naps when you can—even a 50-minute snooze can be reinvigorating.
• Avoid drinking too much caffeine. While a cup of coffee can help in a pinch, it can also make you crash too soon.
• Keep your bunk or sleeping area as dark as possible, and play soothing music to help you fall asleep faster.
• Avoid eating large meals while on the road. Too many carbs and protein can make your body produce enzymes that lead to feelings of drowsiness.

For many truck drivers, choosing between day or night may not be a choice they can make, as this will ultimately be determined by the pickup and delivery schedule. But if you do have the opportunity to have a flexible timetable, planning your route ahead of time can make it a lot easier for you to get the job done.